Ask your GP or psychiatric team to write you a care plan. This can include information about what kind of treatment works for you, and who to contact if your symptoms get worse or if you are in a crisis.

Learn about antipsychotic medicines. You may need to start taking one of these medicines. If you are taking an antipsychotic medicine do not stop it or reduce the dose unless your doctors tells you to. If you do stop the medicine, your psychotic symptoms might come back. You can find out more about the particular medicines you are taking in Medications for mental health issues.

Who can help?

General practice team

Community support groups, counsellors and therapists

MHERC (the Mental Health Education and Resource Centre) can help you to find a support group in your area. You can also find a counsellor, therapist or psychiatrist on MHERC's counselling services directory.

Canterbury DHB Specialist Mental Health Service

This is the major supplier of mental health services in Canterbury for those up to 65 years old. It includes the Child, Adolescent & Family Service for children and teenagers up to the age of 18, Totara House for young people aged 18 to 30, and Adult General Mental Health Services. You can find out more about the service on this page.

Canterbury DHB Older Person's Health Specialist Service

This is the major supplier of services, including mental health services, for Canterbury people older than 65. The Older Person's Mental Health Service was formerly known as Psychiatric Services for the Elderly.

The Early Intervention in Psychosis Service, Totara House, has a family and whānau support group for the family of young people aged from 18 to 30 who are having a first episode of psychosis. If your family member is under the care of Totara House you may be able to join this group.